1053. Depcirtel 970. GA Palestine Refugee Debate. Considering strong
opposition to substantive treatment Johnson proposals in UNGA evinced
not only by Arabs and Israelis but also by our Turkish and French PCC
colleagues, and bearing in mind our objective that this debate give
PCC initiative fresh impetus benefiting from excellent work of past
year, guidance reftel modified as follows:

Mission should inform our PCC colleagues we prepared join them in urging
Johnson defer submission report. We suggest meeting be convened with
Johnson for this purpose afternoon December 7. We think Dr. Johnson
should additionally be informed by PCC that (a) full PCC report, of
which his work would form major element, might be issued in due course
if he and PCC consider this desirable in light evolution of post-GA
discussions; (b) during GA debate Johnson could properly refer questions
re status his report to PCC Members who would state that PCC had conveyed
to Johnson its view that interim report by him would not now serve useful
purpose; (c) PCC very much hopes he can remain on scene; and (d) PCC
Members would use their best influence with parties ensure post-GA discussions
bear fruit.

PCC colleagues' support should be sought for revised draft PCC report
developed in light consultations with them (text by separate tel). US
draft resolution unchanged, except you authorized substitute first preambular
para from last year's res, plus reference to Res 1725, for our present
first preambular para. We believe this would make it more acceptable
to both parties.

With Israelis, Mission should take position we desire avoid debating
matters of substance. Low-key debate will contribute to continuation
useful explorations, which Israel has said it desires, following debate.
We confident Israel will be comparatively temperate in its remarks and
will not bring Johnson Plan elements into public discussion. We have
consistently made clear our opposition to introduction any partisan
proposals, including direct negotiations resolutions. If, despite our
advice, Israel's friends introduce Brazzaville-type resolution we expect
Israel's influence will be used prevent it being brought to vote. Should
it come to vote, we would vote against it. Our draft resolution cites
para 11. While we realize Israel will object to mention para 11 in draft
resolution, citation unavoidable and inclusion from outset improves
chances keeping citation innocuously placed.

FYI: Israelis will undoubtedly seek this year as in past a special
relationship of tactical coordination with USG. Mission should of course
consult with Israeli Del in normal friendly manner but make clear consultation
on handling of debate is necessarily a multilateral process. End FYI.

With Arabs, Mission should point out we initially hoped for thorough
airing of Johnson elements in debate to win international understanding
and support for them. However, we willing heed Arab counsel that keeping
Johnson elements out of debate will create better atmosphere for continuation
PCC initiative following debate provided there is cooperation in keeping
debate low-key. We have consistently made clear our opposition to all
partisan proposals including that for direct negotiations. We hope these
will not be introduced. We will vote against them if they are pressed
to vote. We hoped there would by this time be more tangible progress
toward refugee solution that we might have used within USG to justify
UNRWA extension. In view resistance of parties and lack of tangible
results, we unable justify, and therefore cannot now support, more than
minimal UNRWA extension to insure refugee welfare is provided for during
coming year while PCC search for political solution continues.

Conversations with other dels should stress our desire to keep substance
disentangled from present deplorable debate in expectation PCC will
continue useful work with renewed impetus thereafter. In essence, what
we seek is well deserved pat on back for PCC that will help it in its
dealing with reluctant and insufficiently cooperative parties.